For days, the city of Berkeley, California, was gripped by the search for Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley. The search ended in heartbreak on February 14, 2026, when authorities recovered his body from Lake Anza, just six days after he was reported missing. The news, confirmed by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, sent shockwaves through both the local and international communities, raising questions about student well-being and the challenges faced by those living far from home.
Sreenivasaiah, who hailed from Karnataka, India, was pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Berkeley. According to The Federal, he was last seen about a kilometer from the university campus on February 9, 2026. His disappearance triggered a citywide search effort, with authorities focusing on the areas around Lake Anza and the Berkeley Hills. The operation, which involved sonar equipment, drones, divers, and even community volunteers, underscored both the urgency and the communal concern for his safety.
During the search, Sreenivasaiah’s backpack—containing his passport and laptop—was discovered near a residence close to Tilden Regional Park, not far from campus. As The Berkeley Scanner reported, his personal effects were also found in the Park Hills neighborhood, leading authorities to close off access to the lake and surrounding trails during the recovery operation. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office dive team located the body just after 2:00 p.m. local time on February 14, and the Contra Costa County coroner’s office subsequently took charge of the case.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed the tragic outcome later that day, stating, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.” The consulate also assured that it was working closely with local authorities to arrange for the early repatriation of Sreenivasaiah’s remains to India and providing all necessary support to his family.
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from friends, peers, and university officials. Sreenivasaiah’s academic journey was marked by distinction and innovation. According to his LinkedIn profile, he earned a BTech in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, graduating with a CGPA of 8.41. He completed his pre-university education at BASE PU College and attended Sri Vani Education Centre in Bengaluru, where he scored an impressive 96.5% in his Class 10 exams. Notably, he was among six co-inventors on a patent for a "microchannel cooling system for hyperloop and a method thereof," reflecting his passion for deep tech innovations in soft and active materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
Peers described Sreenivasaiah as witty, humble, and intellectually sharp—a student whose research-driven approach and loyalty left a lasting impression. His physical description, as provided by The Federal, painted the picture of a tall, slender young man: six feet one inch tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes.
But behind the academic achievements and outward cheerfulness, there were signs of struggle. In a poignant LinkedIn post, Sreenivasaiah’s roommate, Baneet Singh, revealed that Saketh had been grappling with his mental health in the weeks leading up to his disappearance. Singh wrote, “He started eating less and engaging less, only surviving on chips and cookies.” Their last conversation was marked by a sense of resignation; Sreenivasaiah returned from class wearing a red bathrobe and said he had stopped caring about what anyone thought of him. Singh’s message was both a tribute and a plea: “Take this as a reminder to please reach out to your loved ones and make sure they’re okay.”
Singh also shared that Sreenivasaiah had invited him to Lake Anza on January 21, hinting at the place’s significance. After authorities recovered Saketh’s body, Singh immediately began working with officials to arrange for Sreenivasaiah’s family to travel from India to the U.S. on an emergency visa. “I didn’t expect this from a friend who lived, ate, travelled, laughed and joked with me,” Singh reflected, encapsulating the shock and sorrow felt by those closest to Saketh.
The Indian consulate’s involvement was prompt and comprehensive. From the outset, the Consulate General had been in touch with Sreenivasaiah’s family and local authorities, issuing regular updates on the search. In a statement cited by The Hindu, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized, “Indian Missions/Posts also take steps to maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in foreign universities under their jurisdictions and conduct pre-orientation sessions upon their arrival to brief them on potential challenges, risks, and precautions while studying overseas, including issuing advisories from time to time.”
Sreenivasaiah’s case is not isolated. It comes amid broader discussions about the safety and mental health of international students, particularly those from India, who make up a significant portion of the student body at many U.S. universities. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated in the Lok Sabha that Indian missions strive to maintain regular contact with students abroad, providing guidance and support to help them navigate the complexities of life far from home.
The local community’s response was remarkable, with volunteers coordinating on Reddit to aid the search. Some organized boat teams to comb Lake Anza, while others offered assistance with search dogs. The collective effort reflected both the anxiety and solidarity that can emerge in times of crisis.
As the investigation into the circumstances of Sreenivasaiah’s death continues, authorities have not yet released further details. The Contra Costa County coroner’s office is now handling the case, and the university community is left to mourn the loss of a promising young scholar.
For many, Sreenivasaiah’s story is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by international students—academic pressure, cultural adjustment, and, at times, profound loneliness. Resources have been highlighted for those in need, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and local mental health services in Alameda County. Singh’s heartfelt appeal resonates: “Life as an international student is tough, man. Please reach out to your loved ones and make sure they’re okay.”
The loss of Saketh Sreenivasaiah has left an indelible mark on the UC Berkeley community and beyond, sparking conversations about compassion, vigilance, and the urgent need to support students facing adversity far from home.